Territory · Compass

What moves your choices

Q: Why are my answers centered?

Values are relative priorities. Since each person uses the scale differently, we subtract your overall average to reveal what you value most relative to the rest — the practice recommended by Schwartz.

Your values are the compass behind your decisions. Discover your priorities — from self-direction to benevolence — through Schwartz's theory.

This personal values test follows Shalom Schwartz's Theory of Basic Human Values, validated across dozens of cultures: ten values organized on a circular continuum, where opposing priorities tend to conflict. There are 40 statements; your answers are centered (subtracting your average) to reveal what you prioritize relative to the rest. The result is a self-knowledge estimate, not a diagnosis.

Meet the 10 values

40 questions · ~7 min · free

Territory of Values · Compass

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Your values compass

Each axis is one of the ten values, in the order of Schwartz's circle — neighboring values align, opposites compete. The outline shows your relative priorities (with your average already subtracted).

Your ten values, in order

The further to the right, the more that value guides your choices — compared with the others.

The four orientations

The ten values group into four broad orientations, along two axes of tension: openness × conservation and self-enhancement × self-transcendence.

You across areas of life

How your values orientation tends to show up day to day — what to lean on and what to balance. A developmental estimate, never a verdict.

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How it's calculated — and the science

The test is based on Shalom Schwartz's Theory of Basic Human Values, one of the most validated in cross-cultural psychology. It describes ten values — self-direction, stimulation, hedonism, achievement, power, security, conformity, tradition, benevolence and universalism — organized on a circular continuum: neighboring values have compatible motivations and opposing values tend to compete with each other.

There are 40 statements (4 per value) on a 1-to-5 scale. Because values are relative priorities and each person uses the scale differently, we apply the centering recommended by Schwartz: we subtract your overall average from each value. This way, the result shows what you prioritize relative to the rest, not just whoever rates everything highly. The four higher-order orientations (openness to change, self-enhancement, conservation and self-transcendence) summarize the map along two axes of tension.

Reliability · limitsThe circular structure of the ten values replicates across dozens of cultures, but this is self-report and a simplification. Values shift with context and life stage; treat the result as a snapshot of your priorities today, not a fixed label. Reference: 2026.

Model · the scienceWe use the model of Schwartz's ten values (public, academic theory), with original items inspired by the constructs — we do not reproduce the PVQ questionnaire. The orientation names are descriptive of the theory.

Important · read firstA tool for self-knowledge and personal development; it does not replace a formal psychological assessment by a licensed professional. The result is an estimate, not a diagnosis. If you are struggling, reach out to a qualified professional — you can find helplines at findahelpline.com.

Author's note

Values are the deepest layer — and the easiest to confuse with what we think we ought to value. I used Schwartz's theory because it maps how values pull against each other (security versus adventure, say). It's uncomfortable to answer honestly, and that's exactly where it becomes useful.

— Vinicius Fonseca · Spotted something off or have a suggestion? tell me.

Frequently asked questions

What is this values test based on?

On Shalom Schwartz's Theory of Basic Human Values, which describes ten values on a circular continuum, validated across dozens of cultures. The items are original, inspired by the theory — we don't copy the PVQ questionnaire.

Why are my answers “centered”?

Because values are relative priorities. Since each person uses the scale differently (some rate everything high, others everything low), we subtract your overall average. This reveals what you value more than the rest — the practice recommended by Schwartz.

Is having a low value bad?

No. No one prioritizes everything at once — prioritizing some values naturally puts others in the background. A “low” value just means it guides your choices less today, not that something is missing in you.

Is it free?

Yes, 100% free, no sign-up or email. Your result appears instantly and is saved only in your browser.

How long does it take?

About 6 to 8 minutes. There are 40 statements on a 1-to-5 scale.

Continue your atlas

See how your values talk to how you act and what interests you in Your Atlas.

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Learn more — sources

Want to go deeper? Tap a source to open the official reference.

Paper · open accessSchwartz (2012)An Overview of the Schwartz Theory of Basic Values. Online Readings in Psychology and Culture. PaperSchwartz (1992)Universals in the content and structure of values. Advances in Experimental Social Psychology. PaperSchwartz et al. (2012)Refining the theory of basic individual values (19 values). JPSP. PaperSchwartz & Cieciuch (2022)Validation of the revised PVQ across 49 cultural groups. Assessment.